Alberto Puig’s Straightforward Response to Honda’s Hopes of Re-signing Marc Marquez
Alberto Puig, the Honda team manager, has given a direct response to speculation about Honda’s possible re-signing of Marc Marquez. Marquez left the team with the statement that it was not a “goodbye” but rather a “see you later”, raising questions about a possible return.
When asked about Honda’s intention to bring Marquez back for 2025, Puig responded assertively to Marca: “Honda’s intention today is to improve the motorcycle. We need to have a competitive motorcycle again, as we have had for years. That is the number one point, the most important thing. Developing the bike over the winter, racing in 2024 and seeing what we have and what our riders can do with it. And, from the middle of the season, really evaluating where we are. That That’s all I can say right now. To think beyond that would be madness. Number one priority: develop and improve the bike.”
Puig emphasized Honda’s current focus on improving the motorcycle’s competitiveness, highlighting that any thoughts about Marquez’s return must wait until the bike is in a stronger position.
As for Marquez’s concerns about how long it will take Honda to catch up to Ducati, Puig acknowledged that the level of competition is high. He expressed optimism about the new grants system, stating that while recovery would normally take a year, grants could shorten that time frame to six months. However, he admitted that it is difficult to predict whether it will take one, one and a half or two years to reach the desired level.
Regarding Marquez’s promising performance in the post-season test in Valencia, Puig considered the possibility of the Spanish rider competing for the MotoGP title in 2024: “If we limit ourselves to analyzing the current reality, the data and making a comparison of the riders at Ducati and those who left other brands for Ducati, and if we consider his potential as a rider, which we know, he can win.”
Puig also opened up about the emotional separation between Marquez and Honda, describing it as a mix of pressure, good and bad emotions. He acknowledged that it was a sad moment, but highlighted the importance of valuing Marquez’s achievements and what he has contributed to Honda over the years.
In short, Alberto Puig’s words reflect , a very ral life approach, with Honda giving priority in improving the bike before considering any return from Marc Marquez. The emotionally charged goodbye, according to Puig, represents both success and challenges faced over the years of partnership.
